Chapter 313 - The Ancient Su Family (2/2)

“On another note, I have heard of Xiao Ning mentioning this girl a few times. She said her talent and abilities are both one of a kind. The fact that she was willing to get the marriage license with you meant that she really cared for you. So don’t disappoint her.” The old man said slowly.

“Don’t worry Grandpa, I will protect her with my life.” Chen Fan nodded with conviction.

Although Fang Qiong’s actions were reckless if not foolish, the fact that she had dragged Chen Fan to city hall and got the certificate meant that she was ready to take all the responsibility as well as blame. Even when Chen Fan was in the city hall, he had made up his mind to visit the Fangs to explain everything even it the girl had kept the marriage hidden.

“I don’t think it will be much of a problem since the Fangs already knew your ident.i.ty.” Chen Huaian knocked on the table and said: “My grandson is the Master Chen of Jiang Bei, the Head Sergeant of Cang Dragon. He can even marry the daughter of the richest man in China, much less that of Fang Mingde.”

Chen Fan cracked a smile after hearing his grandfather’s praise.

The old man was right, at his level, he might even brush off the affection of the First Daughter of the United State of America.

“That being said, you need to talk to your parents about this first.” Chen Huaian turned around and said: “Both of you are still too young, and marriage might take a toll on your academic achievement. I agree with the Fangs. The two families should meet first to arrange an engagement. As for the wedding, that can wait.”

“As you wish, Grandpa.” Chen Fan nodded.

Chen Fan didn’t care when he would get married. He also knew that marriage would give Fang Qiong too much of a burden while she was still in the first year. Chen Fan would rather see her enjoy her time in college as well as her education abroad. He would always stay right behind her, supporting her whenever she needed and catch her if she falls.

“Other than the marriage, I also wanted to ask you about the Su Family of Wu Zhou City.” Chen Fan continued.

“Su Family of Wu Zhou City…”

The old man murmured wistfully.

“That family is a force to be reckoned with!” Chen Huaian shook his head and lamented. “Ever since the fall of the Qin dynasty, China had its fair share of turmoil, yet, the Su Family was able to last three hundred years and stay unaffected by the war that ravaged the land. The leaders of the family must be very wise men and women to pull it off.”

Chen Fan nodded his agreement.

Su Family was different than the other ancient families such as the Lus or the Gus.

The other two families were martial arts families and had produced countless powerful martial artists. It was common to see martial arts families thrive during tumultuous times. They had the ability to rally capable fighters under their banner to protect the local area and claim dominance. On the other hand, other families tended to do better during peaceful times. If it was in the old time, in order to defeat Lu Tianwu, Chen Fan would have to fight at least over a few hundred of his disciples.

The Su Family, on the other hand, was a mercantile family clan. They were relatively stronger during peacetime but will become the target of violent crimes during a war. Chen Fan was surprised that the Su Family was able to pa.s.s down their family wealth so many generations unscathed.

Then, the old man spoke a name that was the key to the success of Su Family.

“Hu Xueyan.”

Chen Fan furrowed his brows and asked: “You mean the Su Family are Bureaucratic Merchants”

“Indeed.” Chen Huaian ran his fingers through his long beard and said.

Hu Xueyan was a notable businessman during the Qin dynasty and he had made a court appearance due to his generous donation to General Zuo’s campaign. He was the only person of the merchant cla.s.s in the Qin dynasty to be awarded the red-top-hat a symbol of uttermost prestige. Later on, people used his name to refer to a new cla.s.s of merchants that were called Bureaucratic Merchants who were not only a businessman but also influential in the realm of politics.

“The Su Family ran the Jiang Nan Province Royal Textile Factory and rose to fame. After the Qin dynasty fell, they s.h.i.+fted their business to banking and financed many warlords, including Dr. Sun Zhongshan, the founding father of modern China and his revolution. One of the family lords during that era was the deputy director of the Chinese Central bank. They were also well connected with the four great families at that time.”

“After our party took over China, Su Family changed their alliance and funded many of our campaigns. Therefore, he was named the Patriotic Merchant, the merchant of the people. Once the People’s Republic of China was founded, the current family lord was invited to the central party committees and advised our party leaders on the matters of financing. The current lord was retired now, but he was still a big name out there and was well respected by our country’s leaders.”

Chen Huaian explained the three hundred years of history of the Su Family patiently.

Chen Fan nodded slightly.

The Su Family was indeed an incredibly successful and resilient force, no wonder they would look down on Fang Mingde who owned over a few dozen billion of a.s.sets. In Chen Fan’s past life, even when Sheng Junwen’s father had become the richest man in the province, he dared not to force Xiao Qiong to marry him.

“The Su Family has been going downhill ever since the Old Man had retired. However, they are still a formidable force in Jiang Nan Province and Zhong Hai. Over the hundred or so years, they had exerted influence not only in Jiang Nan Province but also all over China. They are well connected with many other powerful families and therefore, it would not be a small feat to threaten them.”

Despite his words, pride flashed in the old man’s eyes. “But my grandson is a general major, and the Head Sergeant of Cang Dragon, he is more than qualified to marry Su Yanghao’s granddaughter.”

Chen Fan cracked a smile and didn’t reply.